Gennett Records

NARRATOR: This Indiana Bicentennial minute is made possible by the Indiana Historical Society and the law firm of Krieg DeVault.

Black and white photographs of musicians playing instruments inside the Gennett Records building is shown.

PAULEY: Ever thought of Indiana as a music recording capital? It was! When Richmond, Indiana was the cradle of recorded jazz. In 1916, a six-story building arose in Richmond to make Star Pianos, Refrigerators and Phonographs records under Henry Gennett and Gennett Records.

Advertisements are shown for Gennett Records. Famous musicians are shown in the recording studio.

PAULEY: During its reign, Jelly Roll Morton recorded at Gennett’s. Louie Armstrong, Hoagy Carmichael and many more. WingyManone recorded a song at Gennett’s called “Tarpaper stomp” which Glenn Miller took a riff from and created “In the Mood.” The Great Depression brought Gennett Records down and Decca bought the rights to Gennett’s champion label but Gennett Records will always be a part of Richmond. I’m Jane Pauley with this Indiana Bicentennial Minute.

NARRATOR: Made possible by the Indiana Historical Society and the law firm of Krieg DeVault.